Washington, D.C. – January 28, 2026 – Taylor Woodward, Ph.D., a neuroscientist, educator, and musician, has been awarded the inaugural CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship. The fellowship is a partnership between The College on Problems of Drug Dependence and Americans for Medical Progress (AMP). The fellowship aims to cultivate the next generation of science policy advocates dedicated to promoting the essential role of animal research in addressing drug use and use disorders.

Animal models remain a cornerstone of research into the neurobiological and behavioral underpinnings of substance use disorders. However, these critical tools face growing scrutiny through legislative, policy, and public pressure. There is a clear and urgent need for scientists—particularly those early in their careers—to gain direct experience in the policy landscape and become equipped to advocate effectively for the continued use of humane and ethical animal research in this space.

This fellowship will provide emerging scientists with mentorship, experience, and training at the intersection of science, policy, and advocacy, ensuring the continued advancement of research that informs solutions to pressing public health challenges.

Dr. Woodward believes that “animal models are indispensable for understanding how drugs affect the nervous system, and the more we understand addiction neurobiology, the more we can provide new and better strategies to alleviate problems associated with substance use disorders.”  He looks forward to partnering with policymakers to facilitate scientific research. He shares that he is “excited for the unique mentored opportunity to learn how scientists can advocate for policies regarding the ethical use of animals in addiction research as a part of the CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship.”

Dr. Woodward studies how chronic opioid use alters signaling lipids, a class of molecules that regulate neurotransmission and inflammation. He is currently an Assistant Research Scientist at Indiana University-Bloomington. He has spent over a decade using preclinical animal models to uncover mechanisms of addiction and explore potential treatments for substance use disorders. Taylor earned a dual Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Psychology from IU Bloomington and has authored/co-authored 17 peer-reviewed articles in academic journals. Passionate about bridging science and society, he shares original songs about the brain through music videos online as well as locally at outreach events.

For more information about the CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship, visit our webpage.

About The College on Problems of Drug Dependence

The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD), established in 1929, is the longest-standing group in the United States addressing problems of drug and substance use, dependence, and addiction research. From 1929 until 1976, the CPDD was associated with the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council. Since 1976, the organization has functioned as an independent body affiliated with other scientific and professional societies representing various disciplines concerned with problems of drug use and use disorders. In 1991, the CPDD evolved into a membership organization with the new name of College on Problems of Drug Dependence. Currently, CPDD has over 1,000 members. The organization serves as an interface among government, industry, and academic communities, maintaining liaisons with regulatory and research agencies as well as education, treatment, and prevention facilities in the field of drug use and use disorders. Learn more at cpdd.org.

About Americans for Medical Progress

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is a nonprofit, health research advocacy group that supports the advancement of human and animal medicine through responsible and highly regulated research in animals.  AMP informs the public about animal-based research through outreach events like Biomedical Research Awareness Day, news and opinion articles, social media interactions and various online and printed publications. AMP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity supported by the nation’s top universities, private research facilities, research-related businesses, scientific and professional societies, as well as by foundation grants and contributions by individuals. AMP’s Board of Directors is composed of physicians, researchers, veterinarians, and university officials. Learn more at amprogress.org.

Download the press release here.

January 26, 2026

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted formal comments to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding its proposed reorganization of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI), including the establishment of the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA).

In our comments, AMP expressed support for NIH’s efforts to strengthen scientific innovation and regulatory translation, while emphasizing the need for a balanced, evidence-based research ecosystem that integrates New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) alongside essential animal models. AMP offered several recommendations to help ensure ORIVA’s long-term effectiveness, scientific credibility, and public trust.

AMP’s Key Recommendations

1. Adopt a standardized definition of NAMs grounded in the full 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine), not replacement alone.
2. Establish a third ORIVA division dedicated to scientific integration across NAMs and animal models.
3. Ensure ORIVA staffing reflects the full range of scientific and veterinary expertise necessary for implementation.
4. Strengthen stakeholder communication while setting realistic expectations about scientific readiness and limitations.

A PDF copy of AMP’s comments is available here. 

The letter is a proactive step to engage NIH leadership before mischaracterizations about primate research and NAMS can take hold.

December 11, 2025

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, ahead of an expected congressional letter that was being circulated calling for federal agencies to follow the example of the CDC to reduce support for primate research.

This was a proactive step to engage NIH leadership before mischaracterizations in the letter could take hold.

By offering scientific context and outlining our concerns in advance, we ensure that NIH has accurate information and a clear understanding of how the research community views these issues—before AR groups attempt to define the narrative.

AMP’s letter counters the AR groups’ proposals with three recommendations of our own:

1. Reaffirm the need for animal studies when scientifically necessary, and that such studies are strengthened—not diminished—by the development and integration of NAMs;
2. Communicate clearly that NIH supports the full 3Rs framework, and that reducing and refining animal use are essential components of advancing public health and animal welfare; and
3. Prioritize an integrative, convergence-driven research agenda whereby NAMs and animal studies work together to maximize translational and predictive power, including investment in cross-validation studies that can compare data across multiple platforms.

More importantly, we remind agency officials that NIH’s own FY2026 Congressional Justification underscores the essential role of primate research in advancing human health and anticipating future health challenges (see pg. 14).

A PDF copy of AMP’s letter is available here.

The letter encourages federal agencies to consider the new United Kingdom roadmap as a model for balanced, collaborative, and evidence-based progress

November 25, 2025

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) transmitted a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer, and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary urging the development of a coordinated national strategy on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The letter points to the United Kingdom’s newly released national roadmap on replacing animals in science as a constructive model for balanced, realistic, and evidence-driven progress.

AMP emphasizes that the UK framework stands out for its collaborative approach and its acknowledgment that, while alternatives are rapidly advancing, animal studies remain necessary where methods are not yet validated or safe.

The letter calls for a U.S. strategy that strengthens interagency coordination, aligns communication and regulatory expectations, and supports integrative research approaches rather than exclusionary policies.

AMP welcomes the opportunity to partner with federal agency leadership and scientific stakeholders to ensure the responsible advancement of non-animal innovation while protecting scientific integrity and public trust.

A PDF copy of AMP’s letter is available here.

November 24, 2025

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is closely monitoring reports regarding a directive for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to end its primate research program. Changes to federal agency animal research programs require extensive preparation, specialized expertise, and long-term resources to safeguard the welfare of these animals and protect the integrity of ongoing public health research. As the process moves forward, AMP encourages agencies to collaborate with laboratory animal experts and engage in careful planning that supports safe and compassionate outcomes. Our full statement is available here, and below.

Statement from Americans for Medical Progress on Responsible Primate Retirement Planning

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) affirms the critical importance of responsibly rehoming and retiring eligible animals involved in research and recognizes the extensive planning, resources, and expertise required to do so safely. The reported directive for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to end primate research and retire its current colony raises significant biomedical, logistical, and financial concerns that warrant careful consideration.

While details remain unclear at this stage, poorly planned transitions—including premature study termination—can place animals at serious risk and may undermine years of scientific investment intended to strengthen public health preparedness and advance lifesaving medical progress. Responsible animal retirement should be shaped by scientific expertise and welfare considerations, not by arbitrary timelines or expectations that do not reflect the needs of the animals.

Ensuring the long-term welfare of nonhuman primates demands more than simply identifying a new location. These animals have complex medical, behavioral, and social needs that require lifelong professional support, specialized facilities, individualized care planning, and stable financial resources. Although rehoming is always the preferred outcome when it can be achieved safely, it is not appropriate or possible for every animal. Age, medical conditions, social compatibility, and transport risks must guide these decisions on an individualized basis.

Organizations receiving these animals must demonstrate the capacity to maintain high standards of care, including veterinary expertise, adequate staffing levels, appropriate housing, and sustained funding. Many sanctuaries do not currently have this infrastructure and expertise, nor are they subject to the same regulatory requirements as federal and accredited research facilities.

AMP urges federal agencies to prioritize transparency, engage collaboratively with affected stakeholders, and ensure decisions are informed by the expertise of veterinarians, behaviorists, and animal care professionals. Our community shares a common goal: supporting every animal in receiving the safest and most compassionate outcome possible. Honoring this commitment requires preparation and principled decision-making informed by evidence, expertise, and realistic capacity.

September 2, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted written comments to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods (SACATM), which oversees the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM), in advance of its September 11-12, 2025, meeting. With ICCVAM poised to play a larger role across federal research agencies, AMP emphasized the importance of balanced, evidence-based policies that integrate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) while continuing to recognize the essential role of animal models.

AMP’s comments included three recommendations:

1. Establish a standardized definition of NAMs;
2. Ensure ICCVAM’s expansion is supported by commensurate expertise and resources necessary to address biomedical research broadly;
3. Provide clear communication and set realistic expectations for NAMs.

These recommendations reflect AMP’s commitment to advancing policies where NAMs and animal studies complement–rather than compete with–each other to drive biomedical progress.

Read AMP’s full public comments here. To listen to the SACATM meeting, click here.

July 23, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Earlier this week, Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted written comments to the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) Public Forum 2025. This annual event brings together a range of stakeholders, including multiple federal agencies, to exchange information and advance efforts related to non-animal methods and the integration of the 3Rs (reduce, refine, replace) in both biomedical and toxicological research.

AMP’s comments builds on its previous feedback to the joint workshop organized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) earlier this month. Given ICCVAM’s role as a trusted convener and facilitator of discussions at the intersection of animal and non-animal research, AMP offered the following three recommendations:

1. Establish a standardized definition of NAMs;

2. Promote understanding of federal policy changes; and

3. Proactively engage with the veterinary and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) community.

To further highlight these priorities, AMP also delivered oral comments during the forum.

Read AMP’s full public comments here. As the research landscape continues to evolve, AMP is committed to ensuring that the models we use and promote in biomedical research serve the science, not define it.

Washington, D.C. — On July 11, Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) submitted comments to the FDA and NIH in response to their recent joint workshop on “Reducing Animal Testing.” While we support efforts to advance scientifically validated New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), AMP emphasized the need for greater clarity, transparency, and stakeholder engagement as policy shifts begin to take shape.

During the workshop, NIH announced it is building on its previously stated commitment—first outlined in April—to prioritize human-relevant research approaches. While we appreciate this update and NIH’s swift actions to ensure funding opportunities reflect the full spectrum of modern scientific tools, the announcement raises numerous questions about implementation, the peer review process, and how these changes may affect basic science research.

AMP’s comments focus on three core recommendations:

1. Clarify recent policy updates and collect public input for future changes;

2. Prioritize stakeholder engagement and transparency to achieve meaningful culture change; and

3. Ensure peer review changes do not introduce new biases that could hinder biomedical progress

Read our full submission here.

AMP remains committed to ensuring that both animal and non-animal research tools are supported and evaluated based on scientific merit and real-world utility.

Mackenzie Joe Selected as 2025 John Young Science Policy and Communications Summer Fellow

Washington, D.C. – June 16, 2025 — Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is proud to welcome Mackenzie Joe as the 2025 Summer Fellow for the Inaugural John Young Science Policy and Communications Fellowship. This program offers early-career scientists a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of biomedical research, public policy, and science communication.

Mackenzie is currently pursuing an MD/MPH dual degree at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Mackenzie Joe, MD/MPH Candidate, McGovern Medical School

Mackenzie Joe is pursuing a dual degree in medicine and public health at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a specialization in global health and environment, along with a second major in healthcare management, from Washington University in St. Louis. This interdisciplinary training sparked her interest in infectious disease, immunology, and dermatology.

During her undergraduate years, Mackenzie participated in a global public health research fellowship in Iganga, Uganda, where she explored strategies to reduce mental health stigma in local communities. Inspired by that experience, she now focuses on the intersection of dermatological conditions and social determinants of health, as well as how research, health policy, and public health efforts can improve outcomes in the United States.

In the future, Mackenzie plans to practice medicine and conduct research while advocating for equitable healthcare solutions for underserved and marginalized communities.

As an AMP Fellow, Mackenzie will engage in policy and legislative analysis, attend Capitol Hill hearings, grow science communication skills, monitor anti-research challenges, and practice writing science policy-related materials. She will also lead an independent capstone project that aligns with her career interests in advancing global public health. The fellowship, held virtually with opportunities for in-person engagement in D.C., emphasizes real-world advocacy skills and professional development.

The Fellowship honors the late Dr. John Young, VMD, MS, DACLAM. John served as AMP’s Board chair for over a decade, from 2001 to 2012. He was a leader in advocacy and played a prominent role in the development of many innovative initiatives to support and protect biomedical research. Read more about Dr. Young here.

For more information about the AMP Science Policy and Communications Fellowship, visit our webpage.

About Americans for Medical Progress
Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) is a nonprofit, health research advocacy group that supports the advancement of human and animal medicine through responsible and highly-regulated research in animals. AMP informs the public and policymakers about animal-based research through outreach events like Biomedical Research Awareness Day, news and opinion articles, social media interactions, and policy Requests for Information. AMP is 501(c)3 nonprofit charity supported by the nation’s top universities, private research facilities, research-related businesses, scientific and professional societies, as well as by foundation grants and contributions by individuals. AMP’s Board of Directors is composed of physicians, researchers, veterinarians and university officials.

May 12, 2025

Americans for Medical Progress submitted a letter to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, regarding its newly announced initiative to prioritize human-based research technologies while reducing the use of animals.

The letter, which was also shared with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services, emphasizes AMP’s support for a balanced and evidence-based transition into the next generation of biomedical research. But this shift must be comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive of the scientific resources and knowledge at our disposal, including ongoing work with animals. By combining the strengths of both traditional and emerging methodologies—alongside continual stakeholder input—we can uphold the health and safety of both people and animals and drive science forward in a responsible manner

To achieve this, AMP provides six recommendations:

1. Commit to an integrative approach to ensure stronger science.
2. Address infrastructure and knowledge gaps alongside interagency inconsistencies.
3. Sustain and implement recommendations from the 2021 NIH Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) animal research working group report.
4. Establish a NAMs rigor and reproducibility task force.
5. Preserve peer review quality and integrity.
6. Demonstrate commitment to the 3Rs through practice, not numbers.

Download a PDF copy of AMP’s letter here.